North Carolina Pesticide Application Practice Test

Which of the following vertebrate pests can pesticides be used on?

1. Wolves and Foxes

2. Brown-headed Cowbird and Roof Rat

3. Deer and Raccoons

4. Hedgehogs and Armadillos

The correct answer is: Brown-headed Cowbird and Roof Rat

The brown-headed cowbird and roof rat are both classified as pests where pesticide use is appropriate and regulated under certain circumstances. Brown-headed cowbirds are known for their brood parasitism, which can negatively impact the populations of other bird species, particularly in agricultural settings where they might disrupt the balance of native species. Roof rats are notorious for causing damage to structures and crops, and they can also be vectors for diseases, making them an ideal target for pest management measures. The regulations surrounding the use of pesticides dictate that pesticides can be applied to manage specific pests that pose significant threats to agriculture, property, or public health. In this case, both the brown-headed cowbird and roof rat meet the criteria for management through pesticide use because of their detrimental effects in human-dominated ecosystems. The other groups listed present various challenges regarding legal and ethical considerations related to the use of pesticides. For instance, wolves and foxes are typically protected under various wildlife conservation laws, while deer and raccoons may also have restrictions given their important roles within their ecosystems. Hedgehogs and armadillos tend to be less common and often have specific conservation statuses that prevent pesticide application without significant justification.